The resources on this page are focused on how to start and maintain a high-quality adult or family literacy program.
Scroll to browse, or use the quick links to jump straight to each sub-category.
You’re also welcome to browse the Literacy Texas YouTube channel for additional trainings and resources.
Items marked with a star (*) are resources and presentations shared by literacy professionals at Literacy Texas symposia or conferences.
Program Structure Quick Links:
Building a Quality Literacy Program
Opening Doors: A Literacy Audit Toolkit | Website with downloadable PDF, 63 pages
Source: CALP – Community Adult Learning Program, Canada
A literacy audit can help your organization systematically identify barriers the general public may face when accessing your services, and give you practical suggestions to improve your services and strategies to communicate effectively. This guide includes: Literacy audit tool, action planning templates, literacy awareness information, and plain language guidelines.
Getting Started in Adult Literacy | PDF, 28 pages
Source: Florida Literacy Coalition
Detailed information about starting an adult literacy program, including how to select resources, recruit volunteers, and establish a Board of Directors.
How to Start an Adult Volunteer Literacy Program | PDF, 18 pages
Source: Illinois Secretary of State
Designing a program, recruiting volunteers, working with community partners like libraries, and assessing students.
Adult Learner Persistence Project | Website
Source: New England Literacy Resource Center
Essential knowledge for all adult literacy program staff, including a breakdown of the six Drivers of Persistence, a program self-assessment to highlight areas to focus on, resources, and case studies.
Source: CALP – Community Adult Learning Program, Canada
The Building Literacy Guide is intended to apply directly to the work of adult literacy practitioners. It highlights proven methods and research-based approaches to the field of adult literacy and foundational learning. Within each section you will find practical tools and useable approaches you can use tomorrow and into the future.
Free Digital Resources for Literacy Education | Video, 1:15:19
Presenter: Jessica Rich, GCFLearnFree.org
Learn about free resources you can include in your adult literacy programs
High School Equivalency Program Locations | Website
Source: Texas Education Agency
Find school districts or charter schools with a High School Equivalency Program (HSEP), also known as the option program or high school equivalency in-school program.
Texas Adult Education & Literacy Content Standards 2.0 | PDF, 190 pages
Source: Texas Workforce Commission
Version 2 of the official Texas content standards.
Checked/updated: 9/30/25
Trauma-Informed Adult Education
More Important Than Ever: Trauma-Informed Adult Education | Blog
Source: World Education
Trauma has a direct effect on our capacity to learn and retain information. This blog post outlines the case for trauma-informed education and links to some resources.
Trauma Impacts Adult Learners: Here’s Why | Article
Source: CAEL (Council for Adult and Experiential Learning)
Trauma from multiple sources impacts people and affects their learning and behavior. This article outlines how, why, and some ways to deal with it.
A Trauma-Informed Approach to Workforce: An Introductory Guide for Employers and Workforce Development Organizations | PDF, 26 pages
Source: National Fund for Workforce Solutions
Analysis of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and other traumas, and practical ways to deal with trauma.
Trauma and Learning: Impacts and Strategies for Adult Classroom Success | Article
Source: MinneTESOL Journal
Exposure to potentially traumatic events, which can have a significant impact on brain mechanisms for language learning, is high in adult ELL classrooms. Strategies targeting attention and memory networks presented here may mitigate those effects.
Tips for Teachers During Times of Trauma | PDF, 7 pages
Source: Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning
Practical ideas for helping adult ESL learners during times of sudden crisis or emergency, using the events of September 11 2001 and the subsequent backlash against immigrants as the framework.
Trauma-Informed Education Program Checklist | PDF, 3 pages
Source: SABES (System for Adult Education Basic Support)
Use this checklist to guide your program’s self-reflection as it relates to leadership, environment, and access towards creating a trauma-informed education program. Areas of self-reflection include: program culture and infrastructure, staff training, links to mental health agencies, academic and non-academic strategies, and school policies and procedures.
Trauma-Informed Teaching, Advising, and Learning: Strategies for Building Resilience Inside and Outside the Classroom | PDF, 56 pages
Source: SABES (System for Adult Education Basic Support)
This packet of resources was compiled by Emily Wilson for the SABES workshop she presented in May 2016 on trauma-informed teaching, advising, and learning. The packet contains the slides from Emily’s workshop as well as numerous links to information websites, research papers, and fact sheets on trauma, the impact of trauma on learning, and guidance on designing programming that supports trauma survivors.
Checked/updated: 9/30/25
Connecting With Adult Students
National Literacy Directory | Website
Administered by: NCFL, ProLiteracy
Ensure your program listing is present and has the most current information so prospective students can find you.
Move Ahead With Adult Ed | Website
Administered by: COABE
Outreach materials and language to help adult education organizations communicate the value of adult education and how they can support adult learners.
Behind Every Employer | Online form
Administered by: COABE
List your organization and your initiatives and services that could interest employers.
Checked/updated: 9/30/25
Helping Volunteers Succeed in Your Literacy Program
Introduction to Intake to Outcomes (I2O) | Link format: Video (0:56:50) | Online self-paced tutor training for volunteers or other instructors of adults, covering the core basics that all adult literacy programs have in common.
NOTE: Literacy Texas and TCALL have partnered with Literacy New York, who created I2O, to offer it free to some Texas literacy programs. Get more details on the program here.
Checked/updated: 9/30/25
Distance, Digital, & Virtual Learning
Report: Closing the Digital Skill Divide | Website with links to full report and executive summary
Source: National Skills Coalition
Closing the Digital Skill Divide finds strong demand for digital skills across every industry (dispelling misconceptions that demand exists primarily in the tech sector) and in almost every occupation, including entry-level and frontline positions, and outlines the benefits – financial and otherwise – of closing the gap.
Promoting Digital Literacy for Adult Learners: A Resource Guide | PDF (80 pages)
Source: The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy and Digital Promise
This guide has been developed to support coaching and mentoring for adult learners to strengthen and improve outcomes and learning retention; encourage users to consider the various motivations of adult learners in the design of mentoring strategies to best support them; integrate best practices and nuances of working with adult learners, especially in digital literacy; help users understand the specific skills and competencies of digital literacy, including basic, navigational, and connection skills; and fill an existing gap in the professional development needs of adult educators, large employers, workplaces, and volunteers.
Implementing Distance Education in Adult Education: A Learning Guide for Adult Educators | Online form (you will need to complete the form to get the free guide)
Source: Essential Education
Techniques that increase enrollment and improve retention, including research-based strategies, reflective activities, and resources.
From Face-to-Face to Online: Best Practices in Remote ESL Instruction During the Pandemic* | Video (1:23:35)
Presenters: Dr. Charity Embley & Dr. Kristi Latimer
We all had a crash course in Zoom, Teams, Skype, Google Classroom, and more, when we all went online in March 2020. This session helps you really become proficient in online learning – because now we know how, it’s another tool for us to use in the future, even when the pandemic is a distant memory.
Northstar Digital Literacy | Website
Basic computer curriculum and online training, including digital literacy assessment.
Introduction to Google Classroom | Video (0:16:21)
The basics on using Google classroom with students.
Stay Connected: New Readers Press Online Learning* | Video (1:27:45)
Presenter: Ann Beeson
New Readers Press is the publishing arm of the national nonprofit ProLiteracy – and in addition to their robust catalog of resources to buy, they make a staggering amount available for free. Get some practical tips in this session that you can apply whether you use New Readers Press materials or not (though we recommend them).
How to use Khan Academy For Remote Learning | Video (0:31:50)
Basic tutorial on how to use the popular Khan Academy for remote learning, including getting students enrolled, finding appropriate content and exercises, differentiating content to help each student thrive, and reviewing results.
Introducing the Distance Learning Call Center* | PDF, 14 PPT slides
Presenter: Texas Workforce Commission
Learn how to connect your students to the call center for on-the-spot help with math.
Checked/updated: 9/30/25
Math, Numeracy, & Financial Literacy
Adult Numeracy Network | Website
A community dedicated to quality mathematics instruction at the adult level. Members support each other, encourage collaboration and leadership, and influence policy and practice in adult math instruction. Many free resources; more available for a small annual membership fee.
Adult Numeracy Center | Website
Research-based approach to learning math; includes resources and other help.
Aplusmath | Website
Interactive math resources for teachers, parents, and students featuring free math worksheets, math games, math flashcards, and more.
Dad’s Worksheets | Website with downloads
Free worksheets, calculators, and printables for math.
Money Smart: A Financial Education Program from the FDIC | Website
The FDIC Money Smart financial education program can help people of all ages enhance their financial skills and create positive banking relationships. First released in 2001 and regularly updated since then, Money Smart has a long track record of success.
MoneySKILL | Website
Developed by the AFSA Education Foundation, MoneySKILL offers a comprehensive 37-module course tailored for high school and adult learners. Available in English and Spanish, the curriculum is fully customizable and free to use for educators, families, nonprofits, and education administrators. Watch a recording here to learn how to get started.
Financial Literacy Month | Blog post
Source: Money Management International
30-day plan to financial literacy with tips, ideas, and links.
Checked/updated: 9/30/25
Student Transitions & Literacy for Work
Adult Ed Med | Website
Source: TCALL (Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy & Learning)
Contextualized video lessons and resources for adult students and instructors; covers ESL, Reading, Workforce, Language Arts, Math, and more.
Integrating Employability Skills: A Framework For All Educators* | Video (2:59:49)
Presenter: Olga Escamilla
What do employers want? And how can teachers and tutors of adults help students gain proficiency in the right skills and find that job they need and want?
Designing a Transitions Program for High-Level Students* | PDF, 21 PPT slides
Author: Colleen Mayer
Ideas and resources for helping ABE and ESL students move beyond classes to their next goals – includes two worksheets, Literacy Goals and Student Transition Discussion.
Career Pathways 101
Author: TRAIN PD @ TCALL
Practical ideas and resources to help adult literacy students move into sustainable careers.
What are Adult Career Pathways? (PDF, 6 pages)
Six Key Elements of Career Pathways (PDF, 2 pages)
Career Pathways 101 (PDF, 3 pages)
Career Clusters (PDF, 2 pages)
Career Pathways Resources (PDF, 1 page)
Building Employability Skills | Website
Source: Perkins Collaborative Resource Network
How to define, measure, and build personal and interpersonal skills that help an adult get ready for success in the workplace.
Employability Skills Framework | PDF, 1 page
Source: Perkins Collaborative Resource Network
Diagram showing the skills areas adults need to be college- and employment-ready.
What New Workers in Entry-Level Jobs Need to Be Able to Do | PDF, 1 page
Author: National Work Readiness Credential
Table showing skills needed by new workers, in the categories Communication Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Decision-Making Skills, and Lifelong Learning Skills.
Employability Skills Framework – Lesson Planning Checklist | PDF, 3 pages
Comprehensive checklist for work readiness literacy classes.
How Will You Meet the Requirements for Career and Educational Pathways in Your Adult Classroom?* | Video, 0:36:35
Presenter: Melissa Sadler-Nitu, Alamo Community Colleges and Cambridge University Press
How to begin building career and educational pathways and goal setting strategies at any level of ESL.
Contextualized Learning through Teacher Externships* | PDF, 29 PPT slides
Author: Wendy Christensen, Education Service Center 20, Michelle Yzaguirre, Education Service Center 20
How to use externships and site visits for teachers, to enhance classroom learning and better prepare students for what local employers need and want.
Career One Stop | Website
US Department of Labor site for career exploration, training, and jobs.
Skills Commons Workforce Development Solutions | Website
World’s largest open library of workforce training materials designed for 21st century employment.
Checked/updated: 9/30/25
Community Partnerships & Coalitions
Literacy: Put it Out There through Partnerships* | PDF, 26 PPT slides
Author: Dr. Ida Acuna-Garza
Concepts, messaging and strategies for building literacy partnerships and collaborations.
Don’t Be a Parasitic Partner* | Video, 1:11:04
Presenters: Amber Sims and Jessica Miller
How strong partnerships can amplify your work in adult literacy.
Checked/updated: 9/30/25
Learning Differences & Disabilities
Learning Disability, Dyslexia, and ADHD Facts | Website
Source: Learning Disabilities Resource Foundation (LDRFA)
Basic facts on learning disabilities, dyslexia, and ADHD. The LDRFA provides information on Learning Disabilities and ADHD across the lifespan from childhood to adulthood.
Neuhaus Education Center | Website
Neuhaus Education Center, based in Houston, has been a pioneer in providing literacy solutions in Texas and beyond.
Neuhaus Academy | Website
Neuhaus Academy, a resource from Neuhaus Education Center, offers powerful reading support to help high school, middle school, and adult learners master difficult vocabulary.
Texas Dyslexia Handbook (updated 2024 – English) | PDF (88 pages)
Manual Sobre Dislexia (updated 2024 – Spanish) | PDF (95 pages)
Source: Texas Education Agency
The handbook contains guidelines for school districts to follow as they identify and provide services for students with dyslexia. In addition, information regarding the state’s dyslexia statutes and their relation to various federal laws is included.
Dyslexia 101 | Video, 1:10:54
Presenter: Mary Yarus, Neuhaus Education Center
Definitions, research, and the legislation surrounding dyslexia in adult literacy classrooms.
Decoding Dyslexia | Website
Advocacy, awareness, information, and resources around dyslexia.
Helping Adults With Dyslexia Learn to Read | PDF, 24 PPT slides
Author: Karen Guida, LIFT
Summary of what dyslexia is and some tips for dealing with it in the classroom.
Dyslexia Resources | Website
Source: National Center on Improving Literacy
An overview of the dyslexia resources available on the NCIL website; you can also take a quick tour via video.
Checked/updated: 9/30/25
Civics & Citizenship
EL Civics | Website
Civics, government, and history lessons for ESL students with plain language and pictures.
EL Civics Online | Website
Online courses for teachers of ESL students, focused on civics, government, civic engagement, and the naturalization process.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) | Website
Educational products for educators and program administrators.
Welcoming America | Website
A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that leads a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by ensuring everyone belongs; they believe that all people, including immigrants, are valued contributors and vital to the success of our communities and shared future.
Checked/updated: 9/30/25
Family Literacy
Talk With Me Toolkit | Webpage
Source: Smithsonian Learning Lab
Talk with Me Toolkits provide caregivers chances to talk with their children to improve thinking, vocabulary, and language development. The Toolkits give caregivers ideas to begin conversations that are organized around a theme, and feature videos, photographs, paintings, and artworks along with questions to talk about with your child.
Family Recruitment & Retention Toolkit | PDF, 40 pages
Source: National Center for Families Learning (NCFL)
Supports program staff throughout the process of recruiting and retaining families; contains useful strategies, tips, ready-to-print templates, and culturally responsive practices.
Free Resources from the National Center for Families Learning (NCFL) | Website with categories
Choose from resources arranged into the following categories: Families / Family Literacy, Early Childhood, English Learners, K-12 / Reading, Educators & Literacy Professionals, Webinars, and Out-of-School Time.
Unite for Literacy Library | Website
Free access to more than 400 original picture books, one fourth of them written in Spanish. The digital books provide audio narrations in more than 40 languages, spoken by native speakers in warm, expressive voices. The languages of narration include indigenous and endangered languages along with languages most widely spoken in the US.
Family and Early Literacy* | PDF, 51 PPT slides
Author: Dr. Laura Sheneman, Library Services & Instructional Resources
Definitions and benefits of family literacy; how to build a quality family literacy program.
Checked/updated: 9/30/25
Health Literacy
Florida Health Literacy Initiative | Website
Health education resources for adult English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and family literacy programs so that students in these programs can make informed choices about their health and nutrition.
Communicate Health | Website
Clear communication and plain language for health literacy, including a sign-up for the popular We Heart Health Literacy newsletter.
Health Literacy Online | Website
A guide for simplifying the health care experience.
AHRQ Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit | PDF, 175 pages
Author: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
Help adults improve health literacy and take charge of their health.
Checked/updated: 9/30/25
Other resources in this section:
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